Vance Park

Park Overview

Nestled in the Rockwood Neighborhood of Gresham, Oregon, Vance Park spreads across 14.5 acres of public green space. Established in 1974, this woodland retreat sits just outside Portland, technically owned by Multnomah County but lovingly maintained by the City of Gresham.

One of the park's standout features? The tall redwood trees that provide shade throughout parts of the grounds - particularly nice during warm Oregon summer days. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM.

Recreation Spots

Vance Park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Winding walking paths cut through wooded areas, good for a peaceful morning stroll, an afternoon with your four-legged friend, or simply enjoying nature without venturing far from the city.

The open lawns provide space for spreading out a blanket, having a picnic, or tossing a frisbee. You can find several picnic tables scattered throughout if you prefer dining with a proper surface.

For the more actively inclined, the park features a basketball court and tennis court ready for friendly matches. There's also a baseball field, but it can get rather dry and hard during certain times of the year - just something to keep in mind if you're planning a game.

Playground

Little ones have their own space at Vance Park with a modest playground featuring swings and climbing equipment. While not the largest or most elaborate playground in Portland, it offers enough to keep younger kids entertained.

What the playground might lack in size, the park makes up for with its vast open spaces - plenty of room for children to run wild, play tag, or create their own adventures among the trees.

Recent Improvements

The park got a nice upgrade in 2015 with the addition of two new futsal courts, known as the SNAKE Court. This improvement was part of a thoughtful initiative to support youth programs in the area and encourage kids to stay active and healthy.

Disc Golf Course

Disc golf enthusiasts, take note! Vance Park features a 9-hole course established in 2007 that's become quite popular with local players. The relatively flat terrain features holes under 300 feet, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering enough variety to keep things interesting.

The course weaves through wooded sections, creating a mix of technical wooded shots and a couple of more open 300-foot holes. Many players consider it an ideal spot for beginners to learn the ropes, but even experienced disc golfers can find some satisfying challenges here.

Looking for a full 18-hole experience? Many locals combine this course with nearby Rockwood, just a few blocks away. One word of caution: one hole sits near a cliff edge (there's a fence for safety), so be careful not to send your disc sailing over the edge into the abyss below!

Community Events

Vance Park comes alive all year long with various community gatherings, including the vibrant Annual Juneteenth celebration. The combination of open areas and shaded spaces makes the park suitable for events where neighbors can gather.

The layout works particularly well for community activities that involve information booths, food vendors, and space for people to gather and connect.

Future Development

Exciting changes may be on the horizon for Vance Park. The park sits within a larger county-owned property that includes former landfill and quarry sites. As of 2022, plans are underway to renovate and expand the park area.

These initiatives aim to address environmental concerns from the land's previous uses while creating more green space for the community to enjoy. Local disc golf players are keeping their fingers crossed that the beloved course will remain a key feature of Vance Park through these changes.